Knee pain
The condition of several smaller structures within the knee joint proper including the menisci (cartilage) and ACL (or anterior cruciate ligament) dictates the health of the knee.
Activities involving sudden directional change whilst weight bearing are frequently the cause of damage to these structures.
Without question, despite this joint’s relative simplicity, there are many more complications that affect the knee.
Sports like netball, basketball, football, skiing (both water and snow) are prime candidates for injury.
Tell-tale signs of pathology here are rapid onset of swelling within the knee joint at the time of injury, and sudden giving way. If the knee locks such that the injured person is unable to either bend or straighten the affected knee, early assessment is definitely advisable.
The knee
The Knee is probably the simplest joint in our body.
Consisting of tibia [shin], femur [thigh] and patella [knee-cap], it performs a hinge-like motion.
Like all other joints optimal function relies on fine coordination of the quads muscles [front of thigh], and to a lesser extent hamstrings and calf.
Anterior knee pain [AKP for short] can occur when the tension in these structures is out of balance. This can arise from injury to the quads, endurance sports or simply adolescence with the rapid growth of long bones.
Tell-tale signs are AKP when sitting on a long drive or in the cinema.
If the knee locks such that the injured person is unable to either bend or straighten the affected knee, early assessment is definitely advisable.
As mentioned earlier, adolescent bone growth can underlie a wide variety of conditions causing knee pain. When assessed and treated early after onset, a full recovery [though not guaranteed], is easier to achieve and may allow a quicker return to sport.
Knee treatment
Without question, despite this joint’s relative simplicity, there are many more complications that affect the knee.
Careful assessment is critical to successful rehabilitation.
Occasionally treatment is not sufficient for full recovery and referral to an appropriate medical specialist is warranted.
We have no hesitation recommending this course of action when necessary.
We boast close connections to a number of Orthopaedic specialists, who frequently use our service for post-operative management to hasten and maximise their clients’ recovery.